Hello Sf.
I am building a desktop next year, which will be my first build :)
So i need some advice with the parts
I really want this pc to stay within 700-800 USD.
This is the parts i've decided on getting so far:
Case: NZXT Tempest Midi Tower Black
Ram: 6 or 8 gb of ddr2 memory (Not decided which manufacturer yet )
CPU: AMD Phenom II X3 705e 2.5GHz 65W Box AM3/2+
Thanks in advance
First things first:
What will be your primary tasks with this PC, in as much detail as possible???
No need to spend 200 on a video card if you don't game
No need to get 4 TB of storage if you don't have a lot of video and music files
No need to get expensive RAM if you won't overclock.
No need to get large amounts of RAM for most users.
No need to get a mid tower case if you have only a couple of HDs and 1 DVD drive.
Good advice: stay with major brands on critical components (mobo, RAM, PSU)
Will you use onboard sound--more than adequate for most users.
No need to get a motherboard with a lot of features if you won't overclock.
Will you need to buy additional programs as part of your budget?
Does your budget include a new monitor/KB/mouse?
Give us more detail.
Mostly graphics editing with Photoshop etc. Maybe also video editing, and i would like it to be able to play some nice games on it (Like GTA IV, Grid etc).
I really would like a lot of storage so there is room for video, music, documents, apps and pictures/graphics
The budget doesnt include keyboard, mouse, monitor, OS or apps
As i already got a mouse, keyboard and a 32" Monitor i can use
Also i doubt i will be overclocking
I am not in the AMD loop, so I will defer to others there.
How much storage--do you anticipate 2 HDs or one?
Good mobo brands: Asus, Gigabyte, MSI; no need to get fancy if you won't overclock
Good HD brands: Western Digital, Samsung, Seagate
Good PSUs: Corsair, Seasonic. some from Antec; most likely 500 to 550 watts max.
Good RAM: Crucial, Corsair, Kingston; standard speed is fine if you won't overclock.
Will you overclock?
Do you need a soundcard?
Do you anticipate using 2 video cards for gaming?
No i wont overclock.
Only planning on a single GFX card
2 HHD's min.
I would like to at least got 2 tb total
Onboard sound will do
I would go with DDR3 memory. It's nearing the same price as DDR2 and is a little better and uses lower voltage.
You would not gain much but enough to do it with DDR3. IMO
Good luck
Isnt DDR3 more expensive than DDR2? And most motherboards are DDR2 only?
Sergio:
I'm not AMD qualified, but in all likelihood, your mobo takes either DDR2 or DDR3--not both. You have to find out which. Choose your mobo first. It likely will not boot with the wrong type, so be sure.
Drives: are you thinking smallish for boot drive and largish for secondary--or identical drives of the same size? You can get 1 TB for under 100. I just bought a 1.5 green WD for 100.
Try to find a supported RAM document for whatever mobo you decide on. You have to build your parts around the chosen mobo and they can be very cranky about RAM, particularly regarding voltage.
I don't think you will have any problems with your budget, particularly since you will not overclock and will use onboard sound.
What is the total for the case and processor you have chosen?
I am very weak on AMD processors and mobos. I can help you out in any other respect.
Suggest you pound google with your processor name and see what comes up.
Lots of AMD geeks here:
AMD Processors Forums
Figure 50 or 60 for a 500 gig drive and 90 or so for a 1 TB. That puts you at 450, and you need PSU, mobo, and RAM from that.
I think that is a pretty high-powered AMD processor, so figure 100 for PSU, that's 550.
6 gigs regular DDR 3 about 160?
8 gigs regular DDR 2 maybe 200?
Might be a tight fit for your budget. You still need a mobo and wild guess there is 160.
You could also read reviews for your processor at New Egg and see what mobo and RAM those guys are using. Take those reviews as a broad indicator---some of the buyers are neophytes.
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